Nation

Khairy: Certain provisions in Sedition Act must be preserved

KUALA LUMPUR: Provisions in the current Sedition Act which had served as a shield in dealing with sensitive issues such as those pertaining to Islam and the Malay Rulers need to be preserved in the proposed Harmony Bill, Umno Youth said.

Movement chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the wing will “not compromise nor negotiate” over Islam as the federal religion, the special position of the Rulers, as well as the status of the bumiputras and the Malay language under the proposed law that will replace the Sedition Act.

“Also, any hate speeches directed at any race or ethnic group should be taken as an offence,” he told reporters after chairing the monthly Umno Youth executive council meeting here yesterday.

“Where sensitive matters are concerned, they are non-negotiable,” said Khairy.

He added that Umno Youth would discuss these issues further to “fine tune” its final draft before submitting the memorandum to the Government.

Asked if the movement would also include protection for gender minority groups, he said this was a sensitive issue but would be considered during deliberations.